Death Valley

If you view this as another murder mystery show, then you might be vaguely disappointed. However, if you plant your taste organ in your cheek and let the show be itself, you'll find that it is ironic, does not take itself too seriously and while being being light hearted and fun never goes over board with it.

And takes a few of the more overused tropes of the genre down a peg or two in the process.

The show could so easily have been "Americanised" and become a mockery of iteself by being overdone, and we can only hope that it doesn't.

I've watched the first 3 episodes that have aired so far. I'll be back for all of them.

This show is great fun and a new spin on murder mystery show. I loved the relationship between Timothy Spall's character and Gwyneth Keyworth's character. I've always loved these two actors and they work so well together. Lovely setting in Wales and lots of other good actors. Murder mystery with some comedy. I binged watched in two days. I hope they make more! Just give this show a chance. If you like Death in Paradise, and Midsomer Murders, I am sure you will enjoy this. I also loved the Welsh accents and when some characters spoke in Welsh. The relationship between Gwyneth Keyworth and her mum is great too.

Seeing Timothy Spall in a new detective series the first thing that I thought was I hope its good enough for him. I think he's a brilliant actor. Probably my favourite performance of his was as Ian Paisley opposite Colm Meeny. I was also a little concerned when I saw it was set in wales. Having just seen the first episode and the first face I noticed was that of Steve Mao (hoffeman in high hopes) raised my expectations and it turned out to be a pleasant surprise from there on. Spall is as always excellent and the support cast do a fine job. Welsh humour is on show and I had a few chuckles along the way. It fits well into the cosy mystery slot and I must say Im looking forward to the next. I have to say that Tim playing a retired actor sort of in the vein of the crew of galaxyquest is inspired.

Whilst investigating a murder DS Janie Mallowan discovers that a mysterious reclusive man living by the scene is none other than John Chapel, better known as 'Caesar' a well known TV detective. After a frosty initial meeting, the pair team up to solve a number of cases.

I can see why reviews have fallen on both sides, I get it, I'd say it's all about expectation, just know what you're getting.

It's light, easy going, slightly silly, family friendly viewing, it's very much in the Sunday teatime group of shows, if you like Father Brown and Mallorca Files, you'll definitely appreciate this.

Wonderful location work, it's lovely to recognise to many of the wonderful Welsh locations.

Gwyneth Kenyon is bags of fun as the brash, outspoken Mallowan, Timothy Spall can simply do no wrong in my eyes, lots of well known faces pop up and it's good to see so much Welsh talent.

If you're wanting something serious, you'll be disappointed, if you want fun, easy viewing, you'll enjoy it. More please.

8/10.

The show kicks off with what seems like an open and shut suicide in a bucolic village but Chapel, relying on his acting instincts, senses foul play. Janie, initially irritated by his amateur sleuthing, slowly warms to his unconventional insights. Together, this odd couple tackles murder cases ranging from village dignitaries to walking group tragedies, all threaded with witty banter, cozy crime tropes, and light hearted investigative drama.

Critics have praised the series' charm and chemistry. The Guardian dubbed it "a cosy, witty joy," likening it to "Midsomer Murders with jokes. The Daily Telegraph awarded the opener 4/5 stars, highlighting Spall's engaging performance and his character's rivalry with Ludwig, a classic detective persona. BritBox, which streams the show in the US, describes it as a traditional mystery with comedic flair.

Supporting cast includes Steffan Rhodri as DCI Barry Clarke, Alexandria Riley, Rithvik Andugula, Melanie Walters, Patricia Hodge, among others, who round out the local suspects, victims, and red herrings populating the Welsh countryside.

Beneath the playful tone lie arcs in which Chapel grapples with grief for his late wife, while Janie confronts her own emotional ghosts-bolstering the warm rapport that develops between them.

With its scenic Welsh backdrop, engaging leads, and classic whodunit charm spiced with humor, "Death Valley" offers a refreshing twist on cosy crime TV. Whether you're drawn by Timothy Spall's seasoned presence or the cozy mysteries, it's well worth adding to your watchlist.

A light hearted and amusing amateur sleuth series but with serious problems with the images. Whether or not the producers thought that maladjusting the black level up for every scene making the whole series look foggy and smoky and using this as a high key effect or whether the post production process was very poor is a moot point!